Pros and Cons of Australian Temporary Graduate Visa

The Australian Temporary Graduate Visa, also known as the 485 Visa, is a sigh of relief for many students but is also causing additional problems in their career ventures.

The number of international students in increasing – thanks to the Australian Temporary Graduates Visa. The number in the year 2018 was 71,000 whereas it went up to 92,000 in 2019 with around 29% of the increase. This increase in the number of students was because of the 485 Visa status.

The temporary graduate visa was implemented in 2003 and amended in 2013 to meet the requirements of students. According to this law, international students can stay in the country for a limited period of time after their graduation for gaining work experience. The duration of their stay in between two to four years, depending on the education they have pursued.

The 485-visa status was considered beneficial by some of the students, while some regarded it otherwise. This visa status definitely caused the majority of international students to either move to another Visa or go back to their home country.

A survey was conducted to understand whether this visa status seemed beneficial or not. The results were a mix of both.

The Pros of the Australian Temporary Graduate Visa as considered in the survey were – 

The 485 Visa bought some more time for the graduates that helped them gain some work experience and also find a suitable job in their work field. This time can also be utilized well for building social networks and professional contacts.

The students if weren’t to find a job in their field, could get a part-time job for keeping their expenses under control while finding a suitable one in their field.

Working in jobs in another field also helped them improve communication as well as their soft skill sets.

The Cons of the Australian Temporary Graduate Visa were –

The time limit of two years was very short for seeking an employer’s confidence, and they were reluctant to offer a job. The employers are more inclined towards the ones with a PR status rather than a temporary status.

The employers were not aware of the 485 Visa terms and conditions. This caused a problem with most of the students.

Visa holders found it difficult and inflexibility while renewing or extending the 485 Visa. Moreover, this Visa isn’t the path for gaining a permanent resistance in Australia.

The temporary graduate visa definitely has its pros but educating the employers regarding this specific type of Visa is important for the benefits of local businesses and in the interest of Australia.